HPI WR8 Flux: The 1/8 Brushless Rally Car Explained
The HPI WR8 Flux is a 1/8 scale four-wheel-drive brushless rally car, about 485 mm long with a 300 mm wheelbase and 80 mm tyres. It’s best known in Ken Block Ford Fiesta liveries (including Gymkhana editions) and later as a 2001 WRC Subaru Impreza. Earlier versions used a 4000 kV Flux Vektor motor on 2S or 3S LiPo; later versions use a 3700 kV brushless motor with a waterproof 3S-capable ESC. HPI rates it around 60 mph with 3S. It’s built to slide on gravel and grip on tarmac like a real rally car.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Specifications
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Scale / drive | 1/8, full-time shaft 4WD |
| Length / width / height | 485 / 227 / 172 mm |
| Wheelbase | 300 mm |
| Tyres | 80 mm diameter |
| Motor | 4000 kV Flux Vektor (early) or 3700 kV (later) |
| Battery | 2S–3S LiPo |
| Speed | Around 60 mph with 3S (HPI) |
From HPI and dealer listings, checked October 2026. Versions and bodies differ.
What makes it a rally car
Unlike low touring cars, the WR8 has more ride height and longer suspension travel for gravel, bumps and jumps, while keeping a car-like body and on-road handling. Full-time 4WD gives traction on loose surfaces, and the car slides predictably like a rally car. That makes it fun on dirt roads, gravel car parks and tarmac, though it isn’t a monster truck: long grass and big rocks are too much.
Setup tips
- Start on 2S to learn the car, then try 3S.
- Choose tyres for your surface: gravel tyres for loose ground, tarmac tyres for pavement.
- Adjust shock oil and springs for bumps or smooth surfaces.
- Check motor temperature after runs; gear down if hot.
- Protect the scale body with body posts and bumpers set correctly.
Motor choices are explained in how to choose a brushless motor for an RC car.
Bodies
The WR8 is famous for its detailed licensed bodies, especially Ken Block’s Gymkhana Ford Fiestas and the WRC Subaru Impreza. Many owners keep a “display” body and run a spare body for bashing, since detailed bodies with wings and mirrors are expensive to replace.
Buying used
- Check diffs and driveshafts for play or noise.
- Look for bent suspension arms and cracked chassis.
- Ask which motor and ESC version it has.
- Check the body’s condition and spare parts included.
- Confirm parts availability for your version.
How it compares
The WR8 sits between 1/10 rally cars and larger 1/7–1/5 cars: bigger and more stable than 1/10, much more manageable than giant cars. For even larger cars, see large RC cars for adults.
Driving tips
Rally cars reward smooth driving. On gravel, brake early, turn in and let the rear slide, then power out. On tarmac, the WR8 grips well, so avoid sharp steering at speed, which can roll it. Small jumps are fine, but land on all four wheels. Water-resistant electronics on later versions handle puddles, but dry the car and bearings afterwards.
Maintenance
Check wheel nuts, driveshaft pins and suspension screws after every session. Keep diffs filled with the correct oil, clean dust from the motor and ESC fan, and replace worn tyres, since rally tyres wear fast on asphalt. Spare front arms, a spare body and a set of driveshafts are useful to keep in the bag.
Before your first run
Charge the batteries, check every screw is tight and test all controls before driving. A few minutes of checks prevents most early breakages.
FAQ
How fast is the HPI WR8 Flux?
HPI rates it around 60 mph on 3S.
What scale is the WR8?
1/8.
Is the WR8 4WD?
Yes, full-time shaft 4WD.
What bodies does it come with?
Ken Block Ford Fiesta and Subaru Impreza versions among others.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
